Bohemia Interactive has today announced a new update for their realistic military sim ArmA 3 that will be adding in a variety of single-player and multiplayer training tactics, all aimed at helping new and old players adjust to the extreme needs of Arma 3.

Conveniently dubbed the "Bootcamp Update," the latest addition to the game delivers four new game modes: Single-player Bootcamp, Multiplayer Bootcamp, VR Training and Virtual Arsenal. The single-player bootcamp will function as the name suggests, inviting players to compete in computer-led tutorials of ArmA 3's various features, while its Multiplayer analogue allows experienced players to guide raw recruits through the rigors of virtual battle.

VR Training closely mimics actual gameplay, allowing players to practice their skills in a battlefield environment where they will not be penalized for mistakes. By contrast, the Virtual Arsenal is less a gameplay mode, and more an equipment viewer that allows players to outfit their in-game avatars and export the results to ArmA 3's scenarios.

To round off the Bootcamp update, Bohemia has also announced enhanced Steam Workshop support for ArmA 3. While players are currently able to download community-created scenarios, the update will allow fans to share "custom weapons, vehicles, gear and much more." For more on the patch, check out the trailer below or the official website.

Czech developer Bohemia Interactive has today announced that their realistic military war simulator ArmA 3 has surpassed the one million mark, with company boss Marek Spanel announcing the news via Twitter.

To celebrate the milestone, Spanel outlined a new roadmap for the game's development on their blog, spanning across 2014-2015 with support ranging from platform updates, downloadable content, and an expansion. Platform updates will consist of major enhancements to ArmA 3, and will be available to everyone while DLC will explore specific themes and focus on new sandbox assets, official scenarios and features.

The blog outlined that the first DLC planned for the milisim is ArmA 3 Helicopters, scheduled for release later this year and featuring transport helicopters, an option to use Take On Helicopter’s RotorLib Flight Dynamics Model (FDM), plus several new game mechanics.

The studio also revealed that a major expansion is in the works, though players can expect this to arrive sometime during 2015. While development is still underway the intention of the expansion is to be bring a new range of sandbox content and features plus a brand new terrain map.

Bohemia Interactive has now officially launched Zeus, its free feature expansion for Arma 3 that introduces an tabletop RPG-esque Game Master mode to the tactical shooter.

As a Game Master, you can view the battlefield from bird’s-eye perspective, and create, manipulate or expand a multiplayer scenario in real-time. An easy-to-use editor enables you to spawn units, set objectives, change the weather conditions, start music, and much more. The result is incredibly dynamic online combat - in which players have to rely on their ability to improvise and adapt.

All Arma 3 Owners should now be able to find Zeus as an automatic new addition to their Steam library.

Bohemia Interactive has concluded its The East Wind campaign today with the release of their third and final episode, 'Win'. The episode concludes the story of infantryman Ben Kerry - a soldier who’s been stationed in the Republic of Altis & Stratis as part of a NATO-peacekeeping mission.

The episode’s content package also includes three brand new vehicles. The first new vehicle making its way into Arma 3’s sandbox is the A-164 Wipeout single-seat aircraft. The A-164 Wipeout, successor to the legendary A-10, features improved performance and armaments, adding some real punch and some great new gameplay opportunities to the NATO faction.

The other new aircraft is the To-199 Neophron, which serves as a great addition to the CSAT forces due to its agility. The To-199 Neophron is perfect for Close Air Support and taking off from rough terrain. The third new vehicle is a 6x6 mine resistant standard transport truck, named Tempest. Its primary role is to carry troops and cargo, and its modular design allows for several transport variants of the Tempest truck: cargo, refuel, medical, repair and ammo re-supply.

The new episode also includes a separate ‘Fixed-Wing’ Showcase mission, which introduces players to the new aircraft via a thrilling new scenario. The massive 270 km² Altis terrain has also not been left untouched. New points of interests have been added, with the highlights being an athletics stadium and ghost hotel compound.

ArmA 3 and its free DLC are available exclusively on PC, and can be purchased through Steam or Bohemia's own website.

Bohemia Interactive will be concluding its The East Wind campaign on March 20, when the military sim shooter launches its third and final episode, 'Win'. The episode concludes the story of infantryman Ben Kerry - a soldier who’s been stationed in the Republic of Altis & Stratis as part of a NATO-peacekeeping mission.

The episode’s content package also includes three brand new vehicles. The first new vehicle making its way into Arma 3’s sandbox is the A-164 Wipeout single-seat aircraft. The A-164 Wipeout, successor to the legendary A-10, features improved performance and armaments, adding some real punch and some great new gameplay opportunities to the NATO faction.

The other new aircraft is the To-199 Neophron, which serves as a great addition to the CSAT forces due to its agility. The To-199 Neophron is perfect for Close Air Support and taking off from rough terrain. The third new vehicle is a 6x6 mine resistant standard transport truck, named Tempest. Its primary role is to carry troops and cargo, and its modular design allows for several transport variants of the Tempest truck: cargo, refuel, medical, repair and ammo re-supply.

The new episode also includes a separate ‘Fixed-Wing’ Showcase mission, which introduces players to the new aircraft via a thrilling new scenario. The massive 270 km² Altis terrain has also not been left untouched. New points of interests have been added, with the highlights being an athletics stadium and ghost hotel compound.

As promised, Arma 3 developer Bohemia Interactive live-streamed an extensive hour-long gameplay reveal of its forthcoming Zeus DLC over the weekend, but don't worry if you missed it, as the entire thing is now available to view at your leisure via Youtube.

Improvisation is the ultimate key to success in Arma 3 Zeus. Inspired by popular tabletop games such as 'Dungeons & Dragons', a limited number of players can assume the role of Game Master, and influence the multiplayer experience of those with boots on the ground. Watching the battlefield from a bird's-eye view, wielding an intuitive real-time editor, Zeus can create, manipulate or expand mission content to generate new stories and a flow of challenges. The result is incredibly dynamic, unscripted combat gameplay - and multiplayer sessions which are filled with unexpected, challenging, and creative events.

The Zeus multiplayer concept works across all familiar multiplayer game types, such as Team Deathmatch and Sector Control, where players can either work with or go up against Zeus. The most distinctive game type in Arma 3 Zeus, however, is ‘Zeus Game Master’. Here, Game Masters are entirely free to create objectives, spawn units, and steer players across Arma 3’s massive Altis and Stratis terrains.

The Zeus DLC is due launch as a free content update for Arma 3 in early Q2 2014.

Developer Bohemia Interactive has released the first trailer showing of the forthcoming Zeus DLC, a free update planned for Arma 3 that will introduce a dungeon master-esque "game master" component to the game's multiplayer that affords one player god-like in-game editing powers to manipulate a battlefield scenario in real-time, and fire off lightning strikes.

BECOME ZEUS

Assume the role of game master and curate the experience of other Arma 3 players. Wielding an intuitive real-time editor, you can manipulate or expand multiplayer scenarios on-the-fly, and create a surprising flow of challenges for the soldiers on the ground.

ENROLL AS PLAYERS

Form a squad, head into battle, and engage in truly dynamic combat. As one of Zeus' subjects, you need to react to varied objectives, and adapt to unscripted events on a constantly-evolving battlefield. Improvisation is your key to success.

MP MODES

Play Arma 3 Zeus across its distinctive 'Game Master' game type scenarios, where nothing has been predetermined. Or visit familiar modes like 'Coop', 'Team Deathmatch', and 'Sector Control' in a completely new way. Zeus multiplayer also works with custom player-created scenarios.

Catch more details and some screenshots over at zeus.arma3.com, and watch the preview clip below.

Arma 3 Zeus is expected "at the start of Q2 2014" as free DLC for Arma 3.

Bohemia Interactive today announced that their second campaign episode for military sim ArmA 3 - Adapt - is now available for free to all owners. While the first part of the campaign introduced players to Arma 3's basic infantry combat and story, episode two opens up the military sandbox further, challenging players to adopt guerrilla tactics in the face of against a stronger, better-equipped enemy.

"Episode One helped players get to grips with the basic skills needed to survive”, said Jay Crowe, Creative Director on Arma 3. “Episode Two introduces a whole new set of challenges, giving players more freedom and responsibility in the wide, open terrain of Altis."

A new trailer has also been released to coincide with the launch, detailing exactly what you'll find in the continuing campaign story. Bohemia has also revealed that the third and final episode, Win, will be available come March this year.

Bohemia Interactive today announced the release date of the second campaign episode for Arma 3. Picking up from where the first episode left off, the campaign is set to continue with the release of the ‘Adapt’ episode on Tuesday January 21st, 2014.

The official campaign for Arma 3, named ‘The East Wind’, unfolds over three episodes: 'Survive', 'Adapt', 'Win'. In the first episode, players were introduced to Ben Kerry, a regular soldier who’s part of a NATO-peacekeeping mission in the Mediterranean. After a botched withdrawal trapped Kerry’s unit on the island of Stratis, in the midst of a flashpoint, they attempt an escape to the neighboring island of Altis.

Ahead of the episode's launch Bohemia will also be releasing the episode’s new sandbox content. Included in this (free) package are 3 additional vehicles for the Altis Armed Forces faction: the Wy-55 Hellcat helicopter, the FV-720 Mora and fully new MBT-52 tank.

"While the first part of the campaign focused on the basics of infantry combat, this second ‘Adapt’ episode plays with the other cool features of Arma 3’s sandbox”, said Jaroslav Kasny, Playable Content Lead for Arma 3. "Players will find more open and unorthodox scenarios, and with the help of guerrilla warfare, set out to defeat a much stronger enemy."

Bohemia Interactive has released a brand new trailer for Arma 3 in the wake of the launch of their first free campaign episode – which introduces the conflict between the NATO, CSAT, and AAF factions.

In Arma 3’s campaign, players take on the role of Ben Kerry, a soldier who is a part of the NATO peacekeeping operation in the Mediterranean. Five years after the bloody civil war in the Republic of Altis & Stratis came to an end, NATO has started to withdraw its forces from the region - unknowingly creating the conditions for a Mediterranean flashpoint. Kerry's unit, 'Task Force Aegis' - together with a clandestine group of UKSF operators - is soon caught up in a situation beyond their control, and trapped in a fight for survival.

Of course it isn't just free content pertaining to the story that players will be gaining from the new campaign episode, with a number of key building blocks being introduced for Arma 3 content creators. These come in the form of new weapons, animations, 3D objects, and scripted modules.

Bohemia is expecting to release more free content including new vehicles with the next free campaign episodes. The exact release dates of the second (Adapt) and third (Win) campaign episodes are expected to be announced later.

Bohemia Interactive has today revealed that the first episode of their free three-part campaign DLC will be launching for hardcore army simulator ArmA 3 come the day of Halloween on October 31st.

Originally planned to be included on the launch of their newest title in the long running series, Bohemia were forced to cut out the campaign for ArmA 3 in order to ship on time for eager players.

"Our first campaign episode, 'Survive,' introduces players to Ben Kerry, a regular soldier who's part of a NATO peacekeeping mission in the Mediterranean," said creative director Jay Crowe in today's announcement. "Following a couple of years of uneasy cease-fire, this US-led deployment is now in the process of a staged drawdown. The vacuum left by withdrawing forces is being rapidly filled by the opposing CSAT faction, creating the conditions for, one might say, a flashpoint."

Not only will the campaign DLC be bringing the first part of the story, but will also be updating the game with a variety of new weapons, vehicles, modules, animations and more. Check out the official announcement for more info or poke your head out of cover to see the new screenshots below.

With the long-awaited realistic military simulator now out of its testing stages and into the spotlight of release, Bohemia Interactive's ArmA 3 is the closest you will get to performing real life military actions without the need to get out of your chair. With a large amount of changes from previous ArmA titles including dynamic lightning and underwater gameplay under their belt, the question now turns to how does ArmA 3 deliver on these realistic proposals?

To help us dive into the graphically intensive military simulator is head solider Joab Gilroy, who finds out just how large of an area the Altis island covers and marvels at butterfly shadows.

Underwater missions, accomplished vehicle physics, an impressive array of player stances and fantastic visuals can't make up for a too-big map full of nothing and a handful of missions most computers and servers can't fully handle. I'll tell you what though, Arma III is going to be a great game in 2015.

Check out the full ArmA 3 review for his impressions.

After going through both alpha and beta stages earlier this year, Bohemia Interactive has today announced that their military simulator ArmA 3 is now officially available to all.

Set on the Mediterranean islands of Altis (270 km²) and Stratis (20 km²), Arma 3 features 12 singleplayer showcases, 3 factions showcases, 9 multiplayer scenarios, 10 firing drill challenges, more than 20 vehicles and 40 weapons, 5 factions, the scenario editor and modding support.

For those who had previously purchased either the alpha or beta access to the game, simply launching the title will result in you gaining access to the complete version without any further steps.

“We’re incredibly proud of the release of Arma 3, as well as of the unique collaboration with the people who joined for the early-access development. We experienced some significant setbacks in the past years, but the fantastic public response to the Alpha and Beta kept us going,” said Joris-Jan van ‘t Land, Project Lead on Arma 3.

Currently post-launch plans for the military simulator include a campaign which will be released in three separate parts. Supplied as free DLC, the first episode, Survive, will be made available within one month, while the following episodes, Adapt and Win, are slated for release in the months thereafter.

The game is available now for purchase on Steam for PC at USD$59.99 and a Digital Deluxe Edition is also available for USD$64.99. Check out the launch trailer below.

Bohemia Interactive has announced the release date for its upcoming tactical military shooter, Arma 3, putting it square in the sights for September 12 for PC.

Benefiting from the splendid support of Alpha and Beta participants, Arma 3 ships with the large open terrains of ‘Altis’ (270 km²) and ‘Stratis’ (20 km²), 12 singleplayer showcases, 3 faction showcases, 9 multiplayer scenarios, 10 firing drill challenges, more than 20 vehicles and 40 weapons, 5 factions, the scenario editor and modding support. The Arma 3 singleplayer campaign will be released across 3 free DLC episodes after launch.

Those who may want to know exactly when the game will go live, Bohemia has released a countdown timer on the official website, which also includes a complete rundown of all the content that will be available upon launch.

If you are like me and couldn't wait until the official release date to get your hands on ArmA 3, Bohemia has been nice enough to offer the previous alpha and now beta versions of the game on Steam for early access. Prices are $44.99 for the regular version of ArmA 3 and $59.99 for the Digital Deluxe Edition.

A fresh devblog from ArmA 3 developers Bohemia Interactive has revealed that the team are planning to release the realistic military shooter’s campaign in 3 free episodes after the game’s initial launch in September. Supplied as free DLC, the first episode, Survive, will be made available within one month, while the following episodes, Adapt and Win, are slated for release in the months thereafter.

The choice was apparently not an easy one states the most recent devblog post, revealing that the development team did experience difficulties with its parallel development. While the team was developing the game, players were able to access both alpha and beta code causing portions of the team to be pulled off to support the testing phases. Luckily though the alpha and beta phases cam back with positive progress, allowing Bohemia to work on perfecting the campaign. Joris-Jan van ‘t Land, Project Lead on Arma 3, elaborates:

“This was not a decision we made lightly. As game creators, we love developing and playing through campaigns so, to those awaiting ours, we say: sorry for the delay. After talking a lot about a focus on quality over the last year, it simply did not feel right to compromise now. Rather than pushing back the entire game, we launch this year with an awesome package – a splendid kick off for the Arma 3 experience.”

While the campaign DLC won't be there on release, Bohemia has revealed that the game will be debuting with "the large island terrains of Altis (270 km²) and Stratis (20 km²), 12 single-player showcase missions, 3 faction showcases, 9 multiplayer scenarios, a set of 10 firing drill challenges, over 20 vehicles, more than 40 weapons, 5 factions, the powerful scenario editor and modding support."

To further explain the motivations behind the decision, Bohemia Interactive has published a new post in their developer’s blog, which also reveals more on each of the 3 free DLC packs and what to expect from the team post-release.

In related ArmA 3 news, Bohemia has released a community guide on "how not to kill your teammates while flying a helicopter", a perfect example of just who you should trust when flying over your rendezvous point. Check it out below.

After opening up their alpha phase to the world through an early access purchase, Bohemia Interactive has today announced that their military simulator ArmA 3 will be making its way to beta come June 25.

According to PC Gamer, the new additions to the beta phase include new arsenals and vehicles to test plus new scenarios that will offer a co-op and multi-team, wave-based defense scenarios. A new "Independent" faction that consists of military native to Altis and Stratis was also mentioned.

Steam Workshop support will also be getting a re-design for ArmA 3, with the ability to upload player-created missions to Steam Workshop through a direct integration in the ArmA 3 missions editor. Note though that this feature may not be available during the beta, but it is a confirmed feature for launch.

No official release date has been set yet for the release of ArmA 3, but you can now jump into the current alpha stage for a cheaper price of $32.99 on Steam, with the price expected to increase come beta and eventually launch.

Courtesy of the folks at Bohemia Interactive, AusGamers has a stack of Alpha Lite Steam keys to give away for their upcoming realistic military simulator ArmA 3.

After years of intense warfare against Eastern armies, Europe has become the last stand for the battered NATO forces. On the verge of being driven into the sea, NATO command embarks upon a most desperate measure. In the hope of seizing what seems to be a well-guarded military secret, Operation Magnitude is launched. A small group of Special Forces and Researchers are sent to a Mediterranean island deep behind enemy lines. However, the mission is compromised and the task force destroyed, leaving Cpt. Scott Miller washed ashore upon the hostile island. In his effort to carry out the mission, he will face the dangers of modern warfare, an unforgiving environment, and the consequences of his own decisions...

To grab yourself a Alpha Lite key, simply head over to our giveaway page and you'll see the button to claim a unique key. Follow the instructions on the page to signup for the game and download the official client through Steam.

ArmA 3 is currently available for purchase on Steam, where you'll gain access to the Arma 3 Beta as soon as it becomes available and receive a Steam version of the complete game upon release. Those who do purchase now will gain full access to the Alpha as well.

Bohemia Interactive has today announced that the Alpha version of their upcoming military simulator ArmA 3 is now available for purchase, both on Steam and through their official store. Those who are eager enough to wade through the various bugs attached to an Alpha release will also be offered access to the Beta and full game upon release for their early purchase plus a lower price compared to future installs.

The Arma 3 Alpha, which was officially announced one week ago, provides players with the opportunity to try out and provide feedback on the game’s military sandbox gameplay. The content in the Arma 3 Alpha is limited, and includes four showcase missions (Infantry, Vehicles, SCUBA and Helicopter), a subset of weapons and vehicles, two multiplayer scenarios, the scenario editor and modding support. Whereas the final game will also feature the 270 km² Mediterrean island of Altis, the Alpha is positioned on Stratis – which hosts 20 km² of rugged terrain, expansive forests and a man-made airbase.

Bohemia will also be utilising the previous payment model seen in Minecraft, where the early Alpha purchases will be much cheaper then the final product price, said to be roughly $60.

Celebrating the release of the Alpha Bohemia has also revealed a new sneak preview trailer for those still on the fence, offering a look at the playable and sandbox content in the Alpha and what is to come throughout the year. Check it out below and also leave us a comment on your thoughts of the Alpha so far.

Bohemia Interactive has today revealed new details (thanks fpot) about the alpha and pricing of their upcoming PC-exclusive tactical military shooter ArmA 3. Taking a leaf out of the popular Minecraft title, Bohemia will allow players to pay a smaller fee of $32.99 USD for Alpha access, which also gives them access to the Beta and eventual release of the title.

Featured in the Arma 3 Alpha are four showcase missions (Infantry, Vehicles, SCUBA and Helicopter), a limited subset of weapons and vehicles, two multiplayer scenarios, the powerful scenario editor and modding support. The 20 km² island of Stratis, which is positioned right off the coast from Arma 3’s main destination ‘Altis’ (270 km²), will form the backdrop of the Arma 3 Alpha.

Jay Crowe, Co-Creative Director on Arma 3, elaborates:
“The Arma 3 Alpha is a big milestone in the project's development. Testing early and often puts us on the right track towards improving performance, stability and delivering on our goal of creating a robust final release. It's also a big opportunity to get the game in the hands of our passionate community, which enables them to start work on their own creations, tailored to the fourth generation of the Real Virtuality engine.”

For those looking to spend a bit more, a Digital Deluxe and Supporter Edition will be made available for $49.99 USD and $91.99 respectively, and will include several key extras ranging from a soundtrack to a Steam Gift of the ArmA X pack.

Bohemia will also be releasing a free, limited version of the Alpha, named Arma 3 Alpha Lite. The Alpha Lite will be available one week after the initial Alpha release, on Thursday March 14th, and does not include a multiplayer component and modding support. It will be invite-only, which can be obtained from people who have purchased the ArmA 3 alpha (they gain three invites).

The Arma 3 Alpha will be available on Steam next Tuesday March 5th, 2013. For more information on the Alpha, be sure to visit the official website where you can purchase the various Alpha packages.

Bohemia Interactive has today revealed that the long-awaited army simulator title ArmA 3 will be available as a Steam exclusive, and will also be making its way to the digital giant in 2013. Bohemia revealed that while it will be a Steam exclusive, it will have retail boxes in most countries, however these will just be Steam CD Keys.

As an independent developer, we’re constantly evaluating the way we develop, distribute and publish games. Valve made tremendous improvements to their system, which made the installation/update process much more user-friendly - for both developers and customers, adds Bohemia Interactive’s founder and CEO, Marek Španěl.

We realize that some people may find it difficult to migrate to a new platform, especially if they were used to purchasing and playing our games without any external third-party application. We have evaluated the pros and cons, but in the end Steam enables us to release Arma 3, brings massive advantages to the game, and improves the end-user experience. Not to forget, the majority of our players already come from Steam.

A recent blog post titled "Full Steam Ahead" gives an overview of why the development team is pushing for a 2013 release, stating that "the game could otherwise not be released in 2013." You can check out the full blog over here which gives some great insight into how the development team is handling the push, but you can also check out two new screenshots below for a glimpse at how far the game has come.

In somewhat related news, the very popular and free DayZ mod - which is now being developed as a standalone title - has been spotted over on Valve's Steam shop, an odd addition considering the mod has been out for so long via the official website. Hopefully this points to a Steam release for the DayZ Standalone, which has been said to be using built-in Steam servers for players to connect to. No date has yet been given on when the Standalone title will be released, but creator Dean "Rocket" Hall has said previously that he hopes for a 2013 release.